Castewood Library was abuzz as the Christmas shopping officially began. Computer stations were filled as anxious job seekers searched the internet for job openings. Just beyond the ‘new non-fiction table,’ a woman was serving punch and cookies. Twenty-five chairs had been arranged nearby for a holiday concert of some sort. It was nearing one o’clock and my mind envisioned leftover pizza from The Mellow Mushroom. After checking out, I began walking to my car when a voice stopped me in my tracks….’the pizza can wait.’ Smiling, this youngster decided that cookies and punch….and some Christmas music would be a nice half hour in a busy day. As I re-entered the library, polite applause drifted unnoticed past those at their computers. Three young and beautiful Asian American sisters were playing Hark The Herald Angels Sing as patrons began filling the folding chairs. The girls were polite and shy….and my how they could play. The eldest appeared to be about fourteen and played the violin. Her eleven year old sister also played violin and the ten year old played the bass. The sisters smiled sheepishly after each song and the half hour turned out to be the best of my day. Grateful was I for the small voice that turned me around…..the one that coaxed me to slow down and experience this holiday concert. Yes indeed, ‘the pizza can wait’ as delicious surprises might just be in store.
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